Why Chester?

Just 20 mins away from our doorstep is neighboring Philadelphia, who shares a dire drug abuse situation with Chester, losing 1,214 people to unintentional drug overdose is 2020. A mind-blowing 6% increase from 2019. (1)

In the Philly area, 81% of 2020 overdose deaths involved fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. The trend seen in both cities is to mix fentanyl with other illicit drugs, resulting in more dangerous drug crisis situations than ever before.

Combine this reality with a crime rate higher than 98% of US cities (2), where NeighborhoodScout says one's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Chester is one in 21. (3)

And don’t forget about income. 

Some of the latest data show about 33% of the total population of nearly 34,000 live below the poverty line, including 48% of those in poverty under age 18. (4) The estimated median annual income for a household in Chester city pre-pandemic was about $28,607 and the per capita income just $15,516. (5)

Now consider education.

Our Chester-Upland SD School District boasts a reputation for fallout, with a high school drop-out rate hovering around 29%. (6) For the 2022-23 school year, 2,621 students attend the 6 public schools. If this year is typical, students will test with an average ranking of 1/10, well at the bottom 50% of public schools in PA. 

Friend, the odds are stacked here in Chester city.

We share all this not for the shock value but for the value of our block. Our street. Real people live behind these statistics. Men, women, children who need real hope.

We faithfully trust that – together with you and our large family of supporters – we can improve these stats in a hurting city, one person at a time.

Stay tuned for our latest impact numbers… we are definitely making headway! With God’s help and direction, we have already come such a long way – let’s keep momentum going.